Benefits of Airbags

October 28th, 2008 | economics -

Readers Question: What statements of positive economics are used to support requiring airbags?
What normative reasoning is used?

A positive statement would be to recite a report about the effectiveness of airbags in reducing serious injury. For example, according to Evans (1991) using an airbag in addition to a seatbelt reduces the risk of serious injury by 8% in a collision.

see: Airbags safety

A normative statement, would be an argument that expresses an opinion, not backed up by research. For example:

Anything that helps to reduce fatalaties should be done, regardless of the cost.
An airbag saved my mate the other day, so I think they should be used.
If you were involved in a collision, an airbag should help.